The all-electric, enclosed cabs are air-conditioned and can accommodate 14 passengers on their journeys across campus. This makes a total of six Comet Cabs that have been added by the University since November 2011.

“Our free campus shuttles provide students, staff and faculty with a quick, convenient and comfortable ride to their destinations,” said Cris Aquino, interim director of parking and transportation.

Comet Cabs will alternate serving the UT Dallas community on one of three routes:

From the Residence Halls, south on Rutford to Drive A, and the Activity Center.

From parking lots A, B, C and D to the Jindal School of Management (JSOM), and the McDermott Library.

From Waterview apartments to JSOM along Drive A.

Solar panels on each new cab will help recharge the vehicles while they are in use, Aquino said.

Having more Comet Cabs on campus will benefit students, faculty and staff in upcoming months as parking lots on the north end of campus may be affected by construction projects, said Dr. Calvin Jamison, vice president for administration.

Projects slated to begin this year include construction of a new bioengineering and science building and a second parking structure, both near Loop Road and Rutford Avenue.

“It is our goal to minimize any inconvenience to our students, faculty and staff even as we undertake much-needed projects that will help us keep pace with the University’s growth,” Jamison said. “These additional Comet Cabs will help transport people from parking lots across campus.”